FOOD ADDITIVES:
Any substance that is purposefully added during the production of food to
affect the flavor or shelf life
Additives are not nutritious and by law must be indicated on all food labels
Types of additives
Natural - is found in nature Artificial - synthetically made
products that are not found in
nature,
Sugar Colorants
Salt Preservatives
Vinegar Flavourants (MSG)
Why add food additives:
1. Makes food last longer
2. Can have health benefits –food fortification
3. Improve the appearance of food
4. Improve the flavor
5. Improve the texture
6. Assist with processing and preparation of food
Safety of food additives:
Food additives must be monitored by the foodstuffs cosmetics and
disinfectants act. As they could lead to possible reactions such as skin
rash or asthma
The products can be seen as harmful chemicals
Use of additives must be placed on the label ,must be used
responsibly and new additives must undergo biological testing
These additives could cause hyperactivity in children
Rules for labeling
1. Tartrazine must be identified on the package label
2. Mono-sodium glutamate must be indicated as it is a flavor enhancer
3. Antioxidants must be indicated by chemical name and be approved
Effects of additives on food:
Gives food a smoother texture with better consistency
Any substance that is purposefully added during the production of food to
affect the flavor or shelf life
Additives are not nutritious and by law must be indicated on all food labels
Types of additives
Natural - is found in nature Artificial - synthetically made
products that are not found in
nature,
Sugar Colorants
Salt Preservatives
Vinegar Flavourants (MSG)
Why add food additives:
1. Makes food last longer
2. Can have health benefits –food fortification
3. Improve the appearance of food
4. Improve the flavor
5. Improve the texture
6. Assist with processing and preparation of food
Safety of food additives:
Food additives must be monitored by the foodstuffs cosmetics and
disinfectants act. As they could lead to possible reactions such as skin
rash or asthma
The products can be seen as harmful chemicals
Use of additives must be placed on the label ,must be used
responsibly and new additives must undergo biological testing
These additives could cause hyperactivity in children
Rules for labeling
1. Tartrazine must be identified on the package label
2. Mono-sodium glutamate must be indicated as it is a flavor enhancer
3. Antioxidants must be indicated by chemical name and be approved
Effects of additives on food:
Gives food a smoother texture with better consistency
